How to Rank Higher in Google Maps for Restaurants in 2025

Want more diners finding your restaurant online? Ranking higher in Google Maps can significantly increase your bookings and foot traffic. With 70% of local searches resulting in a visit within 24 hours, appearing in the top three spots of the Google Map Pack is crucial for restaurant success.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to rank higher in Google Maps for restaurants using proven SEO strategies.

1. Optimise Your Google Business Profile

Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the most important factor in ranking higher in Google Maps. Google pulls information directly from your profile, so it must be fully optimised.

Steps to Optimise Your GBP:

• ✅ Claim & Verify your listing via Google Business.
• ✅ Use your restaurant’s exact name (avoid adding extra keywords).
• ✅ Ensure your Name, Address, and Phone (NAP) are 100% consistent across all platforms.
• ✅ Add high-quality images of food, the interior, and menu.
• ✅ List your business under the correct category (e.g., “Italian Restaurant” instead of just “Restaurant”).
• ✅ Regularly post updates using Google Posts.

2. Improve Your Restaurant’s Website SEO

Your website must be optimised for local search, as Google considers it when ranking your restaurant in Google Maps.

Fix It:

• ✅ Use location-specific keywords in your title tags, meta descriptions, and headers.
• ✅ Ensure your site is mobile-friendly (Google prioritises mobile-optimised websites).
• ✅ Add a clickable phone number and booking links.
• ✅ Use schema markup to highlight your menu, hours, and location.

Learn more in our guide to restaurant website SEO.

3. Get More Google Reviews

Google prioritises restaurants with high review counts and positive ratings.

Ways to Get More Reviews:

• ✅ Ask customers to leave a review after dining.
• ✅ Use ReviewTrackers to monitor and respond to reviews.
• ✅ Include a QR code on receipts that links to your Google review page.
• ✅ Reply to all reviews (even negative ones) to show engagement.

4. Build High-Quality Local Citations

Google uses local citations (mentions of your business on other websites) to determine ranking.

Best Citation Sites for Restaurants:

• ✅ Yelp
• ✅ TripAdvisor
• ✅ Zomato
• ✅ Local.com

Read our full guide on building restaurant citations.

5. Use Social Media & Local Engagement

Google tracks how people interact with your business online. If you have strong social media engagement and website visits, your rankings improve.

Fix It:

• ✅ Use location-specific hashtags like #BestPizzaLondon.
• ✅ Post local events and special offers.
• ✅ Encourage Facebook check-ins and Instagram geotags.

More details in our social media SEO guide.

6. Advanced Google Maps SEO Tactics

Once the basics are in place, these advanced tactics can push your restaurant into the top spots:

• 🚀 Earn backlinks from local food bloggers.
• 🚀 Embed Google Maps on your website’s contact page.
• 🚀 Run local Google Ads targeting your city.

7. Common Google Maps Ranking Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes that can lower your rankings:

• ❌ Using inconsistent business details across platforms.
• ❌ Buying fake Google reviews (Google penalises this).
• ❌ Not updating your Google Business Profile regularly.

Final Thoughts: Get Your Restaurant Ranking Higher in Google Maps

By optimising your Google Business Profile, website, and reviews, your restaurant can rank higher in Google Maps and attract more customers.

➡️ Need expert help? Click on the menu above to claim your free Local SEO audit.